The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 14 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Omarion Hampton has been on IR for two months due to an ankle injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Omarion Hampton Playing Week 14?
Hampton suffered an ankle injury during the Chargers’ Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders on October 5. The injury was initially believed to be a high ankle sprain, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport later reported that Hampton actually sustained a fracture, extending the expected recovery window.​
The Chargers placed Hampton on injured reserve on October 7. He has missed the past eight games as a result of the ankle fracture.​
Los Angeles officially designated Hampton to return from injured reserve in Week 13, opening his 21-day practice window. Hampton got in three limited practices last week, his first official practice participation since suffering the injury in early October.​
Hampton was limited again on Thursday of Week 14 while wearing a non-contact jersey. However, he upgraded to full practice on Friday and ditched the non-contact jersey. The rookie was wearing a normal blue jersey and took part in the red-zone walkthrough Friday, a strong sign that he’s trending in the right direction.​
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Hampton is expected to play Monday. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz also reported that it’s viewed as likely Hampton will be able to return Monday night against Philadelphia.​
Hampton’s Fantasy Football Outlook
The hope at this point is that Hampton (ankle) returns from IR this week, but I typed that exact sentence last week and by Friday, he was wearing a non-contact jersey.
Justin Herbert threw a red zone interception last week against the Raiders after a few failed goal line rush attempts, a direct spot where Hampton would have been useful.
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The rookie had at least a dozen carries AND five receptions in each of the last three games he’s played, a level of versatility that tempts me to put him in the flex ranks the second he is activated, even if the role could be limited.
Kimani Vidal has been good enough in Hampton’s stead, but this franchise wants more than that. Herbert’s salary jumped from a base of $6 million last season to $15 million this season and will continue to rise until hitting $47 million in 2028): winning with a franchise quarterback on a reasonably affordable deal is what every team aims to do.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
